New Drivers Face High Risk: Colorado Data Reveals Top Violations, Crash Causes, and New 2026 License Law

Description: Colorado State Patrol highlights top traffic violations and crash causes among new drivers aged 16–21, including speeding and distracted driving. Learn key safety insights and details on the new driver education law taking effect April 2026. Read the full Press release from Colorado State Patrol Public Affairs Office...


Published: 4 hours ago
Byline: SECO News

The Responsibility of Holding a Driver's License

Troopers share common top citation and crash causes of new drivers

(COLO) –Earning a driver's license is a milestone moment in many people's lives and for good reason. A new driver gains independence, but with this privilege comes responsibility. The Colorado State Patrol sees motorists of every age while enforcing traffic laws and responding to crashes. So, what do the newest drivers seem to struggle with the most?

Looking at citation data from the Colorado State Patrol for last year, troopers ranked the top five most common infractions for drivers aged 16 – 21. The top three were significantly higher than the remaining categories.

  1. Speeding 10-19 mph over the posted limit – 3,690

  2. Speeding 25 – 39 mph over the posted limit – 2,861

  3. Careless Driving – 1,671

  4. Not wearing or improperly wearing a seat belt – 887

  5. No proof of insurance – 860

"Driving is a learned, complex skill requiring education, practice, and effort," explained Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. "If you are involved with overseeing a permit holder earning their required hours, please take this role seriously. Instill good habits from day one and help the next generation do better when it comes to safety."

Moving on to crash data from the Colorado State Patrol for 2025, troopers investigated over 720 at-fault crashes by drivers aged 16-21. The top causal factors for these crashes were:

  1. Distracted Driving

  2. Speeding

  3. Lane Violations

  4. Following too close

  5. Animal involved crashes

HB 24-1021 (effective 4/1/2026)

On April 1, 2026, House Bill 24-1021 will take effect and will apply to all permit and license applications received on or after January 1, 2027. As a refresher, this new law requires anyone under 18 to complete a 30-hour comprehensive driver's education class approved by the Colorado Department of Revenue (DOR). New drivers over 18 must complete either the 30-hour driver education course or a 4-hour prequalification driver awareness program approved by the DOR.



Follow SECO News on Facebook.
Subscribe to the SECO News YouTube Channel.



Press releases Sponsor